Phillies Make Major for Outfielder From Fellow World Series Contender

The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t gotten off to a great start post All-Star break, losing four out of their last six games to the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Even though the Phillies have the best record in baseball (64-38), they had a glaring need for another right-handed bat in the outfield and a reliever in the bullpen.

Philadelphia filled one of those needs on Friday, acquiring veteran outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for reliever Seranthony Dominguez and center fielder Christian Pache, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Hays isn’t a huge needle mover for fans on paper, given that the fanbase talked themselves into the idea of Luis Robert Jr., Randy Arozarena, and Brent Rooker. However, 29-year-old Hays is the perfect platoon option for the Phillies’ current outfield situation.

The veteran outfielder slashed .255/.316/.395 with three home runs and 14 RBI this season with the Orioles. But Hays has been outstanding at the plate against left-handed pitching, slashing .328/.394/.500 with eight doubles, a home run, and seven RBIs.

Hays can also play all outfield spots, including left field, which Philly has been putting Brandon Marsh at. 

However, Phillies manager Rob Thomson has been hesitant to put Marsh in the lineup when facing a left-handed pitcher. Now Thomson can lean on Hays as that bottom-of-the-order hitter against a southpaw.

With a right-handed bench bat out of the way, the Phillies can focus on the bullpen before next week’s MLB trade deadline. The Phillies have reportedly been connected to Tanner Scott, Kyle Finnegan, and Carlos Estevez over the last few weeks, who would all be good additions to the bullpen.

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